A sudden outbreak of diphtheria has claimed the lives of several children in Mbutu Community, located in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, less than a week after the first cases emerged. Although the precise number of casualties remains unclear as of Wednesday, local authorities have confirmed multiple fatalities and a growing public health concern.
Iheukwumere Alaribe, Chairman of Aboh Mbaise LGA, confirmed the outbreak in a statement on Monday. In response to the escalating crisis, schools in the area have been temporarily shut down, and parents are being advised to keep their children at home. An isolation centre has been established at Mbutu Health Centre to manage the situation and limit further spread.
A National Outbreak Worsens
The local tragedy in Imo is part of a much larger national outbreak. According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), as of March 9, 2025, the country has reported 25,812 confirmed cases of diphtheria out of 42,642 suspected cases across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The nationwide outbreak, which began in 2022, has already resulted in 1,319 deaths, making it one of Nigeria’s most concerning public health crises in recent years.
In early May, two more children died in Tukur-Tukur, a community in Zaria, Kaduna State, due to similar infections. The rising death toll has drawn increasing attention from health authorities, both local and international.
Containment Efforts Underway in Imo
Local officials, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Imo State Ministry of Health’s Department of Disease Prevention and Control, are actively working to investigate and control the outbreak in Mbutu. Speaking on behalf of the LGA chairman, spokesman Godspower Dike emphasized that the response is a coordinated effort involving trained medical personnel and public health agencies.
“We encourage the public to remain calm and cooperate with the relevant authorities as we work to control this outbreak. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” Dike said.
Alaribe has urged parents to prioritize vaccination as a primary defence against the disease.
“In light of this outbreak, parents who have not yet vaccinated their children are strongly urged to do so without delay,” he said. “Vaccinations are crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and protecting our children’s health.”
What Is Diphtheria and Why Is It Dangerous?
Diphtheria is a highly contagious and potentially deadly infection caused by the toxin-producing bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It primarily affects the nose and throat, causing symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and swollen glands. In some cases, it can lead to serious complications like myocarditis, nerve damage, and breathing difficulties. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets or by touching contaminated surfaces or skin lesions.
Children are particularly vulnerable, especially those who have not been vaccinated or have incomplete immunization histories.
Earlier Outbreak at King’s College Lagos Highlights Wider Risk
The current outbreak also echoes a tragic incident at King’s College, Victoria Island Annexe, in March 2025, where a 12-year-old student died from diphtheria and 14 others were hospitalised. The Lagos State government responded by activating an Emergency Response Committee and launching a mass vaccination campaign across schools.
Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi reassured the public at the time, noting that early symptoms were promptly managed and that further surveillance measures had been activated to prevent wider spread.
A Call for Vigilance and Immunisation
As the situation unfolds in Mbutu and across the country, the message from public health experts remains consistent: vaccination is the most effective protection against diphtheria. Communities are being urged to ensure children are up-to-date on their immunisation schedules, and those showing symptoms are advised to seek medical help immediately.
The diphtheria outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the importance of routine immunisation and robust public health infrastructure. With coordinated action and community cooperation, health authorities hope to stem the tide of this deadly disease before more lives are lost.